Sep
10

Is AMTC a Scam?

Categories:

AMTC, Broadway Song

After my friend and I took our daughters to the AMTC auditions, we wondered, “Is AMTC a Scam?”

My friend and I suspected that everyone at the auditions got callbacks, since both of our daughters and another girl we knew got callbacks.

Also, we were surprised at the high prices to attend the convention. So we were skeptical and began investigating to determine if AMTC could be a scam. (See more on this topic in “Should Your Child Attend Talent Contests?” and “What is AMTC?“)

What is a scam, really?

The definition of scam, according to the Merriam-Webster online dictionary, is: a fraudulent or deceptive act or operation.

It is hard to decide exactly when something is or is not a scam. If you are misled and promised certain things that are not provided, then it is a scam. Also, if you are charged much more for something than what it is really worth, it is a scam. But how do you define how much something is worth? That is a difficult thing to do.

Do Industry Professionals Actually Attend AMTC?

My friend actually called up some of the talent agents, talent managers, and casting directors on the list of AMTC attendees and asked them if they regularly attended AMTC. They all confirmed that they did indeed attend. She asked them other questions and was satisfied with their answers.

Does Everyone Get a Callback?

Still, we wondered if every person who auditioned got a callback. I asked the talent scouts and was told that not everyone was selected to attend the convention. I was never absolutely able to verify this, but at least one person told me they knew someone who was not called back.

I was also told of one person who was not “selected” to attend but asked if they could attend anyway. They were allowed to attend. Was it wrong for AMTC to allow them to attend if they really wanted to attend?

Our Decision About AMTC

After much soul-searching and many discussions with friends and family, my husband and I did sign our 5-year-old daughter up to participate in AMTC. My friend planned for her daughter to attend but changed her mind since she thought her daughter was not ready for an event like this.

There were two sets of classes (one for adults and one for kids and teens) being held at Millie Lewis of Charleston to prepare the participants for the competitions. My daughter and I attended the weekly classes from October to January to help prepare her (and me) for the convention being held in January of 2003 in Charleston, SC (AMTC is usually held in Orlando, Florida.)

We worked hard on preparing her for the competitions, practicing frequently at home. We watched videos from previous contests. We got costumes and other clothing ready and planned hairstyles. I also read all the materials I could find and asked questions to help ensure that we’d be prepared. (See “How Do You Prepare for Talent Contests Such as AMTC?” for more on how to prepare if you do decide to attend.)

The Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays passed, and the next thing I knew, it was time for the convention.

Staying in the Convention Hotel

We planned to drive over for the various events since we lived only 30 minutes to an hour away. But as the time grew closer, we decided to stay in the convention hotel. We shared with another girl and her mother, so the price was not bad.

We both enjoyed the various events going on in the hotel. I don’t think we would have had the same experience if we had not stayed on site at the hotel–my daughter enjoyed swimming with the other contestants, eating with the other contestants, and hanging out with them in the evenings. It was very convenient to be able to go back to our room to change clothes, freshen up, rest, or just to escape for a few minutes.

The truth is, my daughter had the time of her life at AMTC, and absolutely loved every minute of it. I found the seminars taught by the industry professionals to be quite informative.

And for our family, this was a life-changing event. My daughter did well, and the end result was that we ended up here in L.A. (And soon a detailed account of our experiences will be available for your reading pleasure.)

But I know of others who were very disappointed and felt cheated and unhappy when the convention was over.

So what is the answer to the question “Is AMTC a SCAM?”

AMTC is not a scam in terms of making false promises.

What does AMTC promise?

What AMTC promises is that you will compete in front of numerous industry judges from around the world — talent agents, talent managers, casting directors, and other entertainment industry professionals. And on that part they do deliver.

If you compete and do well, the results from the convention can be life-changing. These things are all absolutely true.

AMTC Does Not Promise:

To make you a star if you attend.
That you will get a talent agent if you attend.
That you will get a talent manager if you attend.
That you will get a job if you attend.
That you will be “discovered” if you attend.

And it is important for you to seriously consider the fact that none of the above things are promised to you if you attend.

While the things above can actually happen as a result of AMTC, the chances of them happening is somewhat slim. And it is important that you understand that.

Should the industry judges be paid for participating in AMTC or other conventions?

Many people are critical of the fact that the industry judges are paid and at least part of their expenses are covered by the convention.

It would be nice to think that the industry professionals just go to AMTC or other events at their own expense to find new talent. But for the most part, they don’t.

The way I view it, though, is that all these people are trying to make a living in the entertainment industry. I don’t have a problem with them receiving some compensation for the time that they spend “working” at the convention.

Besides working as judges for the competitions, they also present informative seminars to the contestants and their parents and provide useful feedback to those trying to break into show business.

Many of these same people teach classes or workshops or give seminars in L.A., New York, or wherever it is they live, and often get money for those as well. While they might occasionally do a seminar or class for free, that is pretty rare. And some of them travel around presenting workshops and seminars, and people pay to attend most of those as well.

Let’s face it, people do most of what they do in life in order to get paid. Sure, there are charities that people work for out of the goodness of their hearts, and that is admirable. But people who work in the entertainment industry as a career have to make money at it just as people who work in any other industry do.

Are they honest in their selection process?

Another thing that many people question about AMTC and other similar talent contests is whether the people who run the events and solicit for the events are honest in their selection process. Do they select people to participate who have absolutely no chance of ever being noticed or selected for anything in the entertainment industry? It is suggested that they encourage people to pay a lot of money to attend when they know in their hearts that those people have almost no chance of being noticed during the convention. And that is really the questionable part of it.

Is it okay that the founders make money from running AMTC?

The people running the events make money from the events, but I personally don’t see that as being a scam. They really do deliver what they promise with AMTC. It is a very well-run, family-friendly and safe event.

And you know how much it will cost up front as that information is furnished to you. Holding the AMTC events is what they do for a living and they work hard at it.

And there are people who would not ordinarily be able to afford to go to AMTC who get scholarships, sponsorships, or financial aid to attend AMTC .

There are many things about AMTC that are right. You can check out the AMTC website and get a good handle on what AMTC believes in and what it does. There is another site that discusses the AMTC auditions that has much useful information.

Some important things to keep in mind when you are considering attending AMTC are:

Money. If you cannot afford to pay to go to AMTC, don’t go. Don’t spend money you need to live on in the hopes that your child or you will become a star. Try a different avenue to get into show business.
Financial Aid. If money is tight, ask those who “invited” you to the audition or those in charge of AMTC about the possibility of a scholarship, sponsorship, or other financial aid in order to go to the event. There might not be any available for you, but it does not hurt to ask.
Best Possible Outcomes. Understand what the best thing you can possibly get out of going to AMTC is, and then really think about whether or not that is what you want or what you expect! If talent agents, talent managers, and casting directors are really interested in your child, are you willing to move to where they are — New York, Los Angeles, Chicago? — Especially knowing that there are no guarantees on how much you will make or even on whether you will even ever get a single paying job in the entertainment industry? Use this to help you make the decision of whether to go or not.
Other Routes to Showbiz. Investigate other methods of becoming an actor before you pay the money for the convention. Look for a talent agent on your own in your own hometown or some place nearby. You can practice the craft of acting/modeling locally before trying to compete in L.A. or New York. Working with an agent where you currently live might result in more small jobs, and that work might just get you the break you eventually need to make it in showbiz. And face the facts. The competition is fierce in the bigger markets, so starting locally where the talent pool is smaller makes a lot of sense.
Your Goals. Analyze your goals, and if you really just want to be in the entertainment industry locally, an international talent competition may be a waste of your money. You can pursue local markets on your own without the help of such a huge talent competition. Face the facts. The competition for jobs is fierce in those bigger markets. You are better off working the smaller markets first even if your goals are to make it in L.A. or New York.
Worst Possible Outcomes. Think about how you’ll feel if you leave the convention without winning a single award and without getting a single callback from one of the industry professionals. It does happen that way many times… If you think you will be happy with the experience you gain and with the information that you get and that you will enjoy it regardless of the outcome, then good for you.

Do Your Research

If it is a different event than AMTC, it is important that you thoroughly do your research and make sure it is not a scam. While there are other conventions besides AMTC that are legitimate, there are many scam operations that make promises that they cannot and do not keep. Do your research for AMTC as well to make an informed decision about whether you think it is something you want to and should do.

Other Less Expensive Ways to Get The Information You Need to Start a Career in Show Business

You can get into show business without attending a talent convention like AMTC, and it will be much less expensive. For a comprehensive DVD course on show business and acting, take a look at The Actor’s Journey for Kids and The Actor’s Journey (for adults). These two DVD sets contain essential information about starting a successful career in the entertainment industry from people who know very well how to go about this.

The Actor’s Journey is presented by over 100 industry professionals sharing their perspectives on the entertainment industry. The DVDs were created by Stanley Livingston, a producer and director in Hollywood today, best known for his role as ‘Chip’ on My Three Sons, a very successful sitcom of the 60s and early 70s.

To your success,

Debbie Sikkema

Tags: Actors, American Modeling and Talent Convention, AMTC, AMTC Auditions, AMTC Scam, and Talent Competition, Debbie Sikkema, Is AMTC a Scam?, Millie Lewis, Millie Lewis of Charleston, Models, Orlando, talent competition, Talent Contest, Talent Convention, technorati

78 comments

1 ping

brandon says:

January 1, 2012 at 10:48 pm (UTC -8)

@nicole

I hope I don’t sound rude, but if you look around their website they say that they are a christian based company, but are not for christians only. They are based on christian values, but you can still attend if you do not share the same beliefs.

Best of luck!
Melanie says:

January 14, 2012 at 5:23 am (UTC -8)

I just want to say thank you for posting such accurate and helpful information. It is great to hear about the experience from someone who actually participated in what AMTC offers. I found your information extremely helpful and honest. Thanks!!
martin Gale says:

January 15, 2012 at 7:24 am (UTC -8)

Valuable information. Lucky me I discovered your web site by chance, and I am stunned why this accident didn’t came about in advance! I bookmarked it.
jazz blues says:

February 3, 2012 at 2:49 am (UTC -8)

Interesting. I am a powder coater and am always interested in this kind of info. Adauga Anunt Gratuit Bucuresti
Larissa says:

February 5, 2012 at 2:30 pm (UTC -8)

AMTC NOT A SCAM!

I went to AMTC in 09 when i graduated from high school i got picked up from through them by a school and moved to NY and graduated, ive also gotten auditions through them. My best friend also went and got a agent. Another friend went and he was a extra in a few big films, also the little girl who is in “we bought a zoo” and ” footloose”, she was at AMTC when i was and look at her now. The little boy in “Bad teacher” he and his mom were there and helped me check into AMTC when i was there … he got a agent and moved to georgia. there is also a girl that was my partner our first day at AMTC and she is now a super/runway model and travels everywhere! There was a guy a few years back i dont remember his name but i remember his face…he was at AMTC when i was and they sent him to American idol and he is now signed with someone from what ive been told… PEOPLE IF YOU DONT KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT A PARTICULAR ORGANIZATION THEN ASK!
Debbie Sikkema says:

February 6, 2012 at 9:07 pm (UTC -8)

Hi Larissa,
Thanks for commenting on AMTC. AMTC can result in many good things for certain people. It is very expensive, though, and that is why many do consider it a scam. For those who can afford it, it can be a good experience, and my daughter had a very good experience there. For those who pay and don’t get good results, though, it can be very disappointing and feel like a total waste of money. I’m glad you had a good experience there.
Warm regards,
Debbie
Amanda says:

February 28, 2012 at 1:10 pm (UTC -8)

Thank you SO much for this article – it does clear a lot of things up. I spent a year going back and forth in my head about whether to try out AMTC and I finally decided to audition for the heck of it when they were in my area a few weeks ago. I did get a callback and was initially very excited about it since honestly it was one of the few very good things to happen to me in the past 2 years or so.

My parents did and still do have a lot of reservations about it, though, and some of that worry has started to rub off on me. I have called and asked several questions about the organization and the event, mostly about the financial aspect, and I was mostly satisfied with the answers. I’m confident enough that I can raise the money needed since I do have almost a year to do so, and I have already taken into account that the full cost of the trip will be more than the $5,000 that is just for the event itself. It does help to read such a detailed article about the AMTC experience from someone who went through it firsthand, and it has eased some of my worry. But as I am just in the process of registering, I am still worried about any legal obligations I will have, i.e. having to pay the $5,000 with no refund even if for some reason I am unable to make the event. The language in the AMTC disclaimer/contract confuses me a bit in that aspect, and I have been all over the website several times trying to find information. Is it possible to drop out of the AMTC program completely due to whatever unforseen circumstance without having to raise the $5,000, and what exactly do they refund/not refund you if something should happen? I found some of the refund regulations but I just want some kind of confirmation from someone who actually went through AMTC.

Also, while I do find your article very reassuring, I am now having more doubts because of supposed former AMTC employees who are saying that it’s not worth the money and is a waste of time.

And just one more thing – how exactly does the training work? I got called back for acting but even after talking to some representatives I’m still unsure as to what the online curriculum calls for and whether there are regular training sessions I have to attend in-person.

I’m sorry if that’s a lot – but you seem to have the most reliable feedback available outside of the AMTC website itself.
Susan says:

March 10, 2012 at 5:08 pm (UTC -8)

If you want to know the truth about AMTC, it is not a “scam” in the sense of what the word means. They do produce an event that is attended by industry professionals, as they promise. I think “rip-off” is a better word. They charge an insane amount of money just to attend, not including travel, hotel and food. There are many other talent conventions similiar to this that can be attended for much less. And while some of the agents are good and legit, there are some who attend who really can’t do anything to help you or your child in your career. I think they’re there more for a vacation.

In regards to getting a callback, it is true that most everyone will get one when you audition. Unless you are just downright horrible or they don’t think you can afford to go, they will issue a callback. AMTC makes their money off the registration fees, so they need a certain number to pay the bills and make their money. And obviously the more registrations they get, the more money they make. And while someone getting a callback may not be a bad actor, they also may not realistically be strong enough to actually make it in the industry. So, if knowing in your heart that a person really has no chance of doing anything and you still give them a callback, wouldn’t that be somewhat scam-like?

And my biggest concern about AMTC is the use of religion. This was added a few years ago and really is more of a marketing ploy than anything else. The people who run this are far from anything Christ-like. This front they put on is fake.

So please consider these things before attending. There are many cheaper alternatives out there or if you’re ready to move to LA/New York, then sumbit yourself for representation to these agencies directly.
DJ Shock says:

March 19, 2012 at 9:01 am (UTC -8)

Well yeah, it really does cost a bomb, but maybe YOU may be the next success story, or may get information and networks that catapults you there. I’m sorry for those who feel ripped off, but perhaps one just has to look at it more like an investment?

I would like more people who have attended, even succeeded (whether on their 1st try or later) to post and share their experiences… I never have and I’m taking in both sides of the argument and thinking about preparing to attend..?
Debbie Sikkema says:

March 24, 2012 at 9:23 am (UTC -8)

Hi DJ,
Thanks for your insightful perspective on this topic. What you say is true. It is indeed incredibly expensive, and you may pay for this and have absolutely nothing come of it in which case you most certainly will feel ripped off. On the other hand, if you are really hoping to get to L.A. or NYC and start a career and have the ability to move if people take an interest, then this can be the thing to launch your career. Unfortunately, even if you get to L.A. or NYC, there is no guarantee of any jobs, but it can give you the opportunity. It is a huge amount of money, and I always say why not try the old-fashioned way first (submit to agents, submit to jobs, get training and experience on your own, attend some workshops and seminars, and see if you get any opportunities on your own) before spending all the money for AMTC. You could save the money and then use it to live in L.A. or NYC for a few months (though best not to move to LA or NYC without some representation first). Then, if you don’t have much success that way, AMTC is still an option. You are smart to look at it from both sides and understand the costs as well as the opportunities AMTC can provide.

Any more people with experiences at AMTC that they’d like to share? Please post here for people like DJ to read.
Good luck to you, DJ, in whatever you decide. I hope it all works out great for you, and if I can help in any way, please let me know.
To your success,
Debbie
Debbie Sikkema says:

March 24, 2012 at 9:44 am (UTC -8)

Hi Susan,
Thanks for putting your perspectives on this topic. We did attend before the religious perspective was added, so I can’t comment on that aspect of it. I did view it as a very wholesome family-oriented event when we were there. I certainly agree about trying to get representation the old-fashioned way — it takes some extra work, but it is certainly cheaper that way. –Debbie
DJ Shock says:

March 26, 2012 at 1:17 am (UTC -8)

If you don’t mind me asking (everyone), for those who have been to AMTC, how DID you raise the money to go? Or do they have a link on the site as to how to get scholarships, raise money and attend AMTC?
Karen says:

June 21, 2012 at 1:23 pm (UTC -8)

I wouldn’t say that they are actually ‘scammers” but it bothers me that they use God’s name to sell their product. Here’s what happens. After you’ve decide that this is what you want to do, they will walk you through the contract, after collecting your “$500.00 registration fee”. Which only ½ of that is refundable, if you change your mind within 3 days. While signing their contract, they will explain everything to you. Here’s basically what they tell you in a nutshell. You give me $3,500.00 and we will teach, train and/or assist you in how to talk, walk, act, or whatever it is that you want to do and maybe you will get noticed by someone in the industry. Now keep in mind, we’re not promising or guaranteeing you anything. If you can afford to pay the $3,500.00 in one payment, great, but if not, we have an easy payment plan. It will take you a year to pay this off with 12 easy payments of approx. 267.00 a month and a 7% handling fee. And, in one year, you can attend our SHINE convention but while you’re paying for this trip to the convention, here’s what you get….2 FULL days of training, daily devotional emails and a newsletter….nothing more. And, at the big 6 day convention, you will get 2 tickets for the participant and a guest to attend the convention, 2 tickets for the Banquet and 2 tickets to the wrap party. And you must stay at the hotel where the activities are being held.

Now, if you are bringing your child and both parents want to attend, then you get to pay an additional $200 (for the other parent) to attend the 6 day workshop at the convention or if you choose not to attend the workshops on a daily basis; then you can pay $50.00 a day for only those workshops that you would like to attend. You will also pay $65.00 for the banquet and $25.00 for the wrap party, for the extra parent. Did we mention that, in addition to paying for your trip to the convention (wherever it is), paying for your meals, paying for your hotel stay for 6 the entire 6 days, at the hotel of our choosing, if you get hurt or God forbid die at this convention and it’s completely our fault, no one can sue us because you signed a Release, releasing us for being negligent?

Wow! I could go on and on but you all get the picture. Basically this is what they’re telling you. Now, you decide.
DJ Shock says:

June 22, 2012 at 5:15 am (UTC -8)

So, help me understand Karen, because it is generally a very expensive since you find yourself paying for a lot of things while you’re there and not just before you attend, that’s what makes using God’s name wrong? Or what do you think they should be doing so that it IS right for them to use God’s name? I’m just asking
Karen says:

June 22, 2012 at 5:58 am (UTC -8)

Ok, DJ:

They shouldn’t tell your child “I see the spirit of God in you and that’s what’s going to take you to the top” or it’s in God’s plan for you to make it because you have that positive attitude. The employees/owners of ATMC, have never laid eyes on these people but in approx. 45 mins, or less they are able to see the spirit of God in someone? Come on now, REALLY. In MY opinion, if it is in God’s name or God’s plan, you shouldn’t have to say it over and over and over again. Also, it makes me feel some sort of way that they changed their name to Actors, Models & Talent FOR CHRIST. Why add for Christ? It is that people tend to be more trusting if they’re told it’s a Christian based company?
Karen says:

June 22, 2012 at 6:38 am (UTC -8)

and also, DJ, let’s not forget….since you can’t afford this, when we put you on our payment plan, God will make a way for you to make these payments even if you have to have a fund raiser.
DJ Shock says:

June 22, 2012 at 6:45 am (UTC -8)

Ok, that’s something to think about. How about when I was asking “what do you think they should be doing so that it IS right for them to use God’s name?”
Karen says:

June 22, 2012 at 6:59 am (UTC -8)

Nothing makes it right to use His name. So, just give your sales pitch and don’t bring His name into it, not unless you’re selling bibles.
Ginger says:

July 16, 2012 at 11:44 am (UTC -8)

I have a question for Debbie. At the talent contest in Orlando, how many times does a person get to perform before the official judging takes place? I’m a singer, so would it be one song and I’m done or do I get to sing a certain number?
Roslyn says:

July 28, 2012 at 5:54 am (UTC -8)

I just finished reading your blog article and all of the replies and I must say it gave me a lot to think about. I was actually on my way to a 10am audtion in New Jersey when something told me to do some more research before I go. I had actually found out about AMTC through to young women in an acting group that I am part of. I liked the headshots that one of them got from her involvement and was interested in the training. However, your blog gave me sooooooo much more information along with the intelligent replies that were submitted. I have ultimately decided NOT to go to the audition this morning but there were several factors that played into this for me personally:
1- I have had exrtensive theatrical training as I attended and graduated from a performing arts HS, ran a theater club in college, and have done a couple of shows on and off.
2- I already have extensive connections in the entertainment industry that I can lean on a little when I am ready.
3- I live in NYC where I have access to many many many opportunites for exposure that will cost little to nothing.

Don’t get me wrong….I LOVE what AMTC has to offer. If you are not in a major city such as Los Angeles ( where I am orig from) Chicago, NY, or Atlanta where production work is done on a regualr basis, then this is an opportunity to get your foot in the door. However, if you are in the above mentioned cities, pick up a copy of Backstage and start taking classes. When you sign up with a reputable acting class or coach, they often hold showcases or will have information about reputable showcases. Also, start networking with other actors and creating projects with them. Much of what we are seeing today entertainement wise are brain childs of artist who were struggling and created their own opportunities. If there is a college or university in your area, start submitting to their film department and get on to some student film projects. They always need actors and you never know. Spike Lee and John Singleton continuously use the actors he started out with in college who have now made name for themselves through his films. If you need headshots, also approach the photograqphy department or any photgraphy student anywhere. They need to practice and you can get some good shots that you can use. Sign up with Central Casting to become a background actor. In NYC they do new signups on Thursdays. You can network with other background actors and get a lot of information to help you move forward. Sign up for open mics and go to shows! You have to know what’s out there! Read plays! Many projects are based on plays and classic books. It’s important to be educated about the industry before jumping in. And know your character type. If people often tell you that you look like a certain actor or actress or that you remind them of a certain type of character then that is your character type. Research the actors that people peg you for and see what type of roles they get and work they do. THOSE CAN BE YOUR JOBS! Also look at where they have trained see if you can follow suit. Ok that’s all I wanted to say….thank you for this very informative blog )
Phaye says:

August 11, 2012 at 10:09 am (UTC -8)

I can’t thank you all, for your insigtful reviews and comments. I was on my way to a 2pm audition, today, but decided, as did Roslyn to do more research, after speaking with a friend that’s in the industry. I was excited about the fact that it was an agency for Christians, but to the point of someone else, it doesn’t mean the staff are of the same persuasion, however, having Christ on the end, does make people believe that its Christian based, which could be viewed a deceptive, if thats not the case. There are many Christians working in the secular arena but it just means that they have standards that differ from the world. In anything, just count the cost. If you believe this is the arena for you, then do your due diligence to ensure you get what’s promised and don’t confuse that with what you expect. I’ve decided not to attend and I’ll continue to let my (gift) light so shine, that it will draw men until Him, where I am, until He sees fit to do something new in my life. Thanks for being open, honest and respectful in your responses. Blessings,
Ginger says:

August 11, 2012 at 12:34 pm (UTC -8)

I tried out and did not get a callback, so the answer is not everybody gets a callback. I sing karaoke on a daily basis, and many people (not just the karaoke scene) have told me I should do something with my singing. So it’s not like I’m somebody who thinks they can sing. I knew there were technical aspects to my singing that needed work, and this is what they called me on. They were very straightforward and many people found out right away if they were not going to be accepted. They were on the fence about me. They are very into the fact that acting and singing go hand in hand. I was told to work with a vocal coach and get some acting under my belt. I felt it was very beneficial to me because I learned things that I didn’t completely know before about my singing, and in having connections to the industry they know what is expected. I plan on auditioning again in a year from now.

Prior to going I did some research online. I sent messages to 2 people that were in the shine event and whose videos are on youtube. Both were very helpful, the 1 actually won the contest at the shine. The girl who won is Gabbie Rae and it was because of her performance at the shine event that she was signed to an agent. She appeared on a video at the audition, it turns out that she has recently signed a major record deal and is working with the disney channel.
Kristi Tressler says:

August 13, 2012 at 9:47 am (UTC -8)

AMTC is not a scam. It is an actual opportunity to put yourself in front of real agents, and casting directors. We just finished there in July. My daughter was picked up by a talent agency in NY and has recently auditioned for an upcoming feature film within a months time from the end of AMTC. It is exciting and scary at the same time. I have a friend, however, that didn’t get picked up but still enjoyed the experience. Hope this helps. Mother of a 12 year old daughter.
Stephanie says:

January 21, 2013 at 6:19 am (UTC -8)

Wow! Thanks so much for all the helpful comments! My daughter and I both received a callback, and were going to register this coming weekend. The money was a huge issue for us! We just don’t have an extra 700 dollars every month! After reading, we’re gonna start here (the Dallas area) where we are first……… love this idea! It will save us lots of money, and you still get the experience to see if you’ve got what it takes. This came right at the time, just when I needed it, and was priceless information! Thank you so much!
Debbie Sikkema says:

January 27, 2013 at 12:32 am (UTC -8)

Hi Stephanie,
I am so glad all the information on my site helped you. You are welcome. While AMTC can have positive results, it is certainly a cost that should be considered. If you can get into acting without the expense, that is best. At some point, it may be something you’d consider doing, but that is only if other things don’t work out well for you. Good luck.
Sincerely,
Debbie
Tammie Starr says:

January 27, 2013 at 3:10 pm (UTC -8)

Hello Everyone, My Son Elijah and I Tammie Mother. We just got a callback just an hour ago. The Producer called with great news saying they were so excited of the great news Mother and Son team got official callbacks. That god had a purpose, for us. We did a fantastic job at the audition. Well the audience were there. I got a big applause that was a true blessing. and I wrote a song called. Holy Spirit Within Me., MY SON elijah is actor model and Elijah was praised how terrific he was. We were thanking God for this true calling. We just spoke to the Producer congratulating us can’t wait to work with us God is calling us in this feild. Then he ask come to the registration today and get things done to start with AMTC. I asked about the registration he told me did you pray on this like I asked you to. I told him yes we gave it to God on this decsion on everything. He gave us our gifts we want to glorify in him. Well He told us please call this number and talk to Beth. So I am asking what is the registration the 500.00 of both of us to pay. If you can’t pay that what happens? Producer is waiting for us to call ASAP to welcome us in the AMTC family. Blessings Tammie.
Leroy Thomas, Ph.D. says:

February 22, 2013 at 7:12 am (UTC -8)

I never read about anything about an expensive cost to audition. Plus, I am convinced I never signed up for a personal appearance, but instead of getting “accepted” for a Dallas audition in person tomorrow, I believe I applied for a remote camera audition on next Saturday, March 2 — and I have already sent you a message earlier this morning, before dawn, stating exactly that message.

At any rate, I do not believe I can afford to pay anything for any kind of interview at this time — I’ll apply later, whenever I know in advance what the cost will be.

Leroy Thomas, Ph.D. — 903-328-5858
MJ Brunette says:

April 15, 2013 at 2:03 pm (UTC -8)

I went with my adult niece to the auditions here in MN last Saturday, April 13th. They PRETEND to be Christian-based. They advertised that their services are aimed towards people of ALL ages and so my niece, who’s 50, signed up, after hearing about this on KTIS, our local Christian radio. She has a BA in music and also has performed major roles in many plays, as well as writes her own Christian music. They PROMISE to either phone with results of acceptance or send a denial email. They didn’t do either. They LIE. Would Christ LIE? No! Therefore, they are NOT Christian-based; they are a SCAM to get kids into this, as the only people they obviously allow to attend their convention are kids up to, perhaps 30. They show this lengthy video of mainly children and young people performing on stage and NOT one single ADULT is included in their video, although they stated they cater to people of ALL ages: I believe they advertised child to 83, which pretty much states everyone who breathes. They obviously WANT MONEY, is their bottom line. They even had us pray and sing one Christmas song and another old Christian standard, making the people in attendance buy into this Christian-based lie they shared. They pray for the Devil to be cast out and all lies that are being spread about them won’t be compelling. The sad thing is they aren’t LIES being told, but truths. Jesus WAS TRUTH and since they did nothing but LIE to get people to buy into their farce, I feel anybody interested in attending should STAND CLEAR. DO NOT BUY THEIR LIES and deceitful tactics!! They WANT your money: PERIOD!!! I believe they showed THREE people who they supposedly helped into show business: one guy who went on to Grey’s Anatomy and another young boy who went on to be a main role in the Lion King on Broadway. Yet another young girl sings very well, but must never have gotten all that famous, as we never heard of her. They also displayed a photo of a young model, dressed very well and then showed photos of her, after they’d redressed her, giving her the “Gothic Look.” And they stated that whatever the person has learned at other agencies is worthless to them, and how they must forget all they’ve learn, as they know the “correct way,” with this: “Our way or the highway mentality.” DON’T WASTE your money, folks; they are a HUGE scam and truly not Christian-based. They expect the young candidate to pay $500 up- front and then come up with $3995, or close to that figure if they are “selected” for a call-back. It’s a JOKE and Christ would not be happy one bit that they are using such distasteful tactics in His name!